But vs. Yet: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Published on November 5, 2023
"But" introduces a contrasting element, while "Yet" indicates a condition or timing not fulfilled.
Key Differences
"But" primarily functions as a coordinating conjunction introducing an idea that contrasts with or counters the preceding statement. For instance, in the sentence "I like coffee, but I don't like tea," the word "but" highlights a contrast between liking coffee and not liking tea. It allows for the juxtaposition of two distinct or opposing notions.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2023
On the other hand, "Yet" often serves as an adverb indicating that something has not happened or a condition hasn't been met. Consider the sentence, "I haven't finished my work yet." Here, "yet" emphasizes the continuing state of not having completed the work. It signifies a lingering or pending state or action.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2023
Furthermore, "Yet" can also act as a coordinating conjunction similar to "but," though it carries a more nuanced sense of unexpectedness or surprise. For example, "He was tired, yet he continued working" implies a somewhat surprising perseverance despite fatigue. In this capacity, "Yet" underscores an element of unanticipated resilience or determination.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2023
Conversely, "But" rarely operates outside its primary contrasting function. It's straightforward in presenting opposition or distinction, like "She's quiet but confident." "Yet," meanwhile, with its dual roles as adverb and conjunction, offers a broader range of expressive possibilities, spanning from time-related contexts to those of surprising contrast.
Harlon Moss
Nov 05, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Typical Use
Presents contrast
Indicates unfulfilled condition/time or unexpected contrast
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2023
Examples
"I'm tired, but I'll go."
"I'm tired, yet I'll go." or "I haven't seen it yet."
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2023
But and Yet Definitions
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But
Contrary to expectation; yet
She organized her work but accomplished very little. He is tired but happy.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
But
Usage Problem Used to indicate an exception
No one but she saw the prowler.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
But
With the exception that; except that. Often used with that
Would have joined the band but he couldn't spare the time.
Would have resisted but that they lacked courage.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
But
(Informal) That. Often used after a negative
There is no doubt but right will prevail.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Yet
And despite this; nevertheless
She said she would be late, yet she arrived on time.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
But
That ... not. Used after a negative or question
There never is a tax law presented but someone will oppose it.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
But
(Informal) Than
They had no sooner arrived but they turned around and left.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Yet
In negative or interrogative use, often with an expectation or potential of something happening in the future.
I haven't finished yet.
Have you finished yet?
We do not yet know what happened.
He has never yet been late for an appointment.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Yet
In negative imperative use, asking for an action to be delayed.
Don't switch it on yet – wait until I've reconnected the pump.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Yet
Not as of the time referenced.
I’ve yet to see him. — I have not yet seen him.
I had yet to go to a convention. — I had not yet gone to a convention.
They are yet to win a single match. — They have not yet won a single match.
He seemed yet to be convinced. — He seemed not yet to have been convinced.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
But
Apart from, except (for), excluding.
Everyone but Father left early.
I like everything but that.
Nobody answered the door when I knocked, so I had no choice but to leave.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Yet
Nevertheless; however; but; despite that.
I thought I knew you, yet how wrong I was.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
But
, although, nevertheless, on the other hand introducing a clause contrary to prior belief or in contrast with the preceding clause or sentence.
She is very old but still attractive.
You told me I could do that, but she said that I could not.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Yet
To melt; found; cast (e.g. metal, by pouring it into a mould when molten).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
But
, rather adversative conjunction, introducing a word or clause in contrast or contradiction with the preceding negative clause or sentence}}.
I am not rich but [I am] poor.
Not John but Peter went there.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
But
(colloquial) Used at the beginning of a sentence to express opposition to a remark.
But I never said you could do that!
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
But
Except that (introducing a subordinate clause which qualifies a negative statement); also, with omission of the subject of the subordinate clause, acting as a negative relative, "except one that", "except such that".
I cannot but feel offended.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Yet
Any one of several species of large marine gastropods belonging to the genus Yetus, or Cymba; a boat shell.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
But
(colloquial) Used to link an interjection to the following remark as an intensifier.
Wow! But that's amazing!
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Yet
In addition; further; besides; over and above; still.
This furnishes us with yet one more reason why our savior, lays such a particular stress acts of mercy.
The rapine is made yet blacker by the pretense of piety and justice.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
But
(archaic) Without it also being the case that; unless that (introducing a necessary concomitant).
It never rains but it pours.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Yet
At the same time; by continuance from a former state; still.
Facts they had heard while they were yet heathens.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Yet
Even; - used emphatically.
Men may not too rashly believe the confessions of witches, nor yet the evidence against them.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Yet
Nevertheless; notwithstanding; however.
Yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Yet
Up to the present time;
I have yet to see the results
Details are yet to be worked out
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
But
An instance or example of using the word "but".
It has to be done – no ifs or buts.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Yet
Used in negative statement to describe a situation that has existed up to this point or up to the present time;
So far he hasn't called
The sun isn't up yet
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Yet
To a greater degree or extent; used with comparisons;
Looked sick and felt even worse
An even (or still) more interesting problem
Still another problem must be solved
A yet sadder tale
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Yet
Within an indefinite time or at an unspecified future time;
He will understand eventually
He longed for the flowers that were yet to show themselves
Sooner or later you will have to face the facts
In time they came to accept the harsh reality
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
But
The end; especially the larger or thicker end, or the blunt, in distinction from the sharp, end; the butt.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Yet
Used after a superlative;
This is the best so far
The largest drug bust yet
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Yet
Despite anything to the contrary (usually following a concession);
Although I'm a little afraid, however I'd like to try it
While we disliked each other, nevertheless we agreed
He was a stern yet fair master
Granted that it is dangerous, all the same I still want to go
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
But
Except with; unless with; without.
So insolent that he could not go but either spurning equals or trampling on his inferiors.
Touch not the cat but a glove.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
But
Excepting or excluding the fact that; save that; were it not that; unless; - elliptical, for but that.
And but my noble Moor is true of mind . . . it were enough to put him to ill thinking.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
But
Otherwise than that; that not; - commonly, after a negative, with that.
It cannot be but nature hath some director, of infinite power, to guide her in all her ways.
There is no question but the king of Spain will reform most of the abuses.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
But
Only; solely; merely.
Observe but how their own principles combat one another.
If they kill us, we shall but die.
A formidable man but to his friends.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
But
On the contrary; on the other hand; only; yet; still; however; nevertheless; more; further; - as connective of sentences or clauses of a sentence, in a sense more or less exceptive or adversative; as, the House of Representatives passed the bill, but the Senate dissented; our wants are many, but quite of another kind.
Now abideth faith hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
When pride cometh, then cometh shame; but with the lowly is wisdom.
But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; . . . the lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him.
But this I read, that but if remedyThou her afford, full shortly I her dead shall see.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
But
The outer apartment or kitchen of a two-roomed house; - opposed to ben, the inner room.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
But
The end; esp. the larger or thicker end, or the blunt, in distinction from the sharp, end. Now disused in this sense, being replaced by butt{2}. See 1st Butt.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
But
And nothing more;
I was merely asking
It is simply a matter of time
Just a scratch
He was only a child
Hopes that last but a moment
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
FAQs
Can "But" introduce a positive after a negative?
Yes, like "It's small but powerful."
Janet White
Nov 05, 2023
Is "But" always a conjunction?
Mostly, but it can also be a preposition (e.g., "all but").
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2023
How does "Yet" emphasize surprise?
By introducing an unexpected outcome, like "tired, yet alert."
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2023
Can "But" and "Yet" often be used interchangeably?
Sometimes, especially when introducing contrast.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2023
Does "But" always need contrasting clauses?
Typically, it connects contrasting ideas or elements.
Sara Rehman
Nov 05, 2023
What does "Yet" at the end of a sentence imply?
It indicates something hasn't happened or isn't known.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 05, 2023
How does "But" differ mainly from "Yet"?
"But" primarily contrasts, while "Yet" indicates unfulfilled timing or unexpectedness.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2023
Is "Yet" common in formal writing?
Yes, especially when introducing surprising contrasts.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 05, 2023
Can "But" also be an adverb?
Rarely, like "but recently" meaning "only recently."
Harlon Moss
Nov 05, 2023
Is "But" stronger than "Yet" in contrast?
"But" is more straightforward, while "Yet" can imply unexpectedness.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2023
Which is more versatile in use?
"Yet" has broader applications as both an adverb and conjunction.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
